Alpha lipoic acid, an antioxidant that your body produces in small amounts, is an important assistant in cellular energy production. Alpha lipoic acid is found in green leafy vegetables and is also available as a supplement. Research has revealed a variety of health benefits of alpha lipoic acid, including the potential to prevent atherosclerosis. Consult your doctor before using alpha lipoic acid.
Oxidized Cholesterol
Alpha lipoic acid suppresses oxidation of low density lipoprotein, LDL, the bad form of cholesterol, according to a study published in the January 2011 issue of the journal "Free Radical Biology and Medicine." In the study on laboratory animals, alpha lipoic acid decreased accumulation of oxidized LDL cholesterol in macrophages -- white blood cells that form atherosclerotic plaques. Alpha lipoic acid also increased levels of proteins that regulate cholesterol levels.
Arterial Plaque Reversal
Atherosclerotic plaques may reverse with alpha lipoic acid supplementation, according to a study published in the January 2010 issue of the journal "Life Science." In the study on laboratory animals, six weeks of a high cholesterol diet followed by supplementation with 20 mg per kg body weight of alpha lipoic acid for 12 weeks resulted in reduced size of atherosclerotic plaques in the abdominal aorta -- the main artery that supplies the lower body. Inflammation also decreased with alpha lipoic acid supplementation and blood vessels showed greater relaxation and decreased oxidative stress. Weight loss of up to 20 percent was a further benefit of the supplement, in the study.
Multiple Effects
A study published in the September 2008 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition" reported that alpha lipoic acid provides both cholesterol-lowering and arterial plaque reducing properties. In the animal study, 4.2 mg per kg body weight of alpha lipoic acid for 10 weeks resulted in significantly lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Also, lower levels of oxidized lipids occurred in the alpha lipoic acid group compared to a control group that did not receive the supplement. Measurement of atherosclerotic plaques in the aorta showed reduced plaque size, leading the researchers to conclude that alpha lipoic acid may offer substantial cardioprotective benefits.
Diabetes
Supplementation with Alpha lipoic acid may reduce oxidative stress and prevent diabetes-related arterial damage reports a study on alpha lipoic acid for diabetics. In the laboratory animal study, 100 mg per kg body weight of alpha lipoic acid per day significantly increased levels of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase and vitamin C and inhibited oxidation of lipids in the aorta. White blood cell damage was also reduced by alpha lipoic acid supplementation. Blood vessels of animals that consumed alpha lipoic acid showed normal structure without degenerative changes associated with diabetes. The researchers concluded that alpha lipoic acid may potentially prevent vascular changes associated with diabetes by improving glucose metabolism, cholesterol levels and antioxidant activity.
References
- "Free Radical Biology and Medicine"; Alpha-Lipoic Acid Ameliorates Foam Cell Formation Via Liver X Receptor?-Dependent Upregulation of ATP Binding Cassette Transporters A1 and G1. Cheng LC, et al.; January 2011
- "Life Science"; Lipoic Acid Effects on Established Atherosclerosis. Ying Z, et al.; January 2010
- "Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Nutrition"; Lipid Lowering Effect of Antioxidant Alpha Lipoic Acid in Experimental Atherosclerosis. Amom Z, et al.; September 2008
- "Biomedicine and Pharmacology"; Alpha Lipoic Acid Possess Dual Antioxidant and Lipid Lowering Properties in Atherosclerotic Induced New Zealand White Rabbit. Zulkhairi A, et al.; December 2008
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